Thousands of Syrian Alawites are fleeing current violence in Syria, with many crossing into northern Lebanon, particularly Akkar and Tripoli. The influx raises concerns about sectarian tensions, given the region’s demographics and past conflicts. Lebanon is struggling to manage a refugee crisis, currently hosting nearly 2 million Syrians from previous conflicts, and requires immediate regulation of new arrivals to prevent further destabilization.
Recent reports indicate that thousands of Syrian Alawites have fled violence in northern Syria, crossing into Lebanon. This influx has been observed particularly in Akkar, which borders Syria, as individuals escape clashes primarily between interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s forces and loyalists of ousted President Bashar al-Assad. Initial counts suggest that over 1,000 people have died in these recent confrontations, including over 700 Alawites, raising concerns over a potential sectarian conflict.
The movement of refugees has prompted anxiety among Lebanese officials, as Akkar and Tripoli, largely Sunni areas, have historically faced tensions linked to anti and pro-Assad factions. Akkar MP Sajih Attieh highlighted the surge in displacement, noting thousands have arrived in Alawite villages and about 2,000 in the Jabal Mohsen neighborhood of Tripoli. The unprecedented flow includes reports of refugees entering through illegal routes due to the lack of legal crossings following previous bombings.
Attieh expressed the urgent need for the Lebanese government to regulate and account for the influx of displaced individuals. The porous border between Lebanon and Syria, previously utilized for smuggling, has further complicated the situation as Lebanon grapples with the burden of hosting nearly 2 million Syrian refugees since the onset of the Syrian war. With new arrivals, the risk of adding an additional one million refugees intensifies, necessitating immediate governmental action to manage the crisis effectively.
The ongoing violence in Syria has led to a significant influx of Alawite refugees into Lebanon, raising concerns about a sectarian conflict and the strain on Lebanese resources. As thousands arrive daily through illegal routes, it is imperative for the Lebanese government to take decisive action to regulate and address the growing humanitarian crisis. Without proper management, Lebanon faces an increase in refugee numbers that could further destabilize the region.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
